Larnaca, Cyprus. A traveller returning from the Greek island of Ios opted for a ferry journey to Cyprus rather than flying, citing concerns over recurrent aerosinusitis, a condition linked to pressure changes during air travel.
Concerns over air travel
The traveller said flying had become primarily a means of reaching destinations quickly, unlike earlier periods when the journey itself was considered part of a holiday.
During a trip to Ios with a friend of 45 years, the prospect of the return flight caused anxiety. The concern was not related to airport queues, limited legroom or other common inconveniences, but to the possibility of developing Grade III aerosinusitis, described as “the bends in the air”.
The symptoms can vary, with discomfort sometimes ending after landing when pressure equalises. On other occasions, pain during descent can continue for a week or longer, the traveller said.
Precautions and decision to travel by sea
The traveller said various preventive measures had been tried, including acupressure travel bands, saline nose drops, painkillers, earplugs, headphones, chewing gum and facial manoeuvres.
Despite these measures, the traveller experienced symptoms on a flight to Athens and decided to avoid flying for the return journey.
Although the sea route cost more, the traveller said it provided an alternative to flying and allowed more time to revisit memories of Ios. The traveller added that flying remains difficult to avoid when visiting family in Ireland.
Ferry booking
After using the ferry operator’s website and seeking assistance from Orthodoxou Travel in Larnaca, the traveller booked a four-bed cabin.
The traveller was told that port taxes for the three unused beds could be reclaimed and said the refund was issued the day after returning.
